The primary categories are:

• peat and organic soils,
• cobbles,
• clays,
• boulders,
• silts,
• broken rock,
• sands,
• rock and gravel, and
• cemented soils.

Characteristics of dredged material

Within each of these major categories are ranges of physical characteristics –particle size, particle nature and plasticity. The type of material and the physical characteristics determine which dredging equipment will be the most effective, what types of production rates to expect, what may be the potential end uses or placement of the material, and the handling of the material, such as bulking and formation of clay balls. The chemical and biological characteristics of the material are also relevant.
Extensive studies are necessary to determine what equipment to use and whether materials are suitable for a specific destination such as beach nourishment or land reclamation or must be treated or disposed of elsewhere.

Environmental aspects

Most importantly, the type of material has a significant bearing on the environmental effects of the dredging and disposal process. Clean materials can easily be excavated and placed and used for a variety of purposes.
Contaminated sediments may require differing degrees of treatment and careful consideration as to placement and reuse. Many will be usable, but some sediments may need to be confined and are not reusable.

Hazards

Dredging may also encounter hazards that can be dangerous to crews and equipment. These include unexploded ordnance, pipelines and cables, a build-up of hydrogen sulphide, large boulders, debris and wrecks. These may have to be removed or handled in very specific ways.